Whistler recently opened the Top of the World Trail to the general public. In 2003 a few friends and I wanted to go to the top but we needed a guide. Somehow it never worked out on that trip, but when I heard we were going to be able to finally do the trail I’d been waiting 9 years for, I gave myself a high five. After the initial gondola ride, one more chair takes you up the extra 1,091ft to the top. This was Kelli’s first time to the top too.

This is the scene at the entrance to Whistler’s Top of the World Alpine Trail. It seems stark and had less fanfare than I expected. That being said, as you drop in don’t get distracted by ‘The Tusk’ in the background because you’ll need to keep your eyes on the job at hand. It’s a steep entrance.

The TOTW trail starts steep, rocky and technical. You won’t drop in at high speed, unless you want a quick trip to the valley floor. From steep and technical the trail transitions to loamy alpine corners. The further down the mountain you go the more it starts to open up as you enter the fray of traditional bike park action.

One last ride for the group. It was a long but incredible week. Thanks to everyone involved!

“I,…loved Whistler. Again, the scenery was amazing – but it was more than that. It was the atmosphere of being in the Village, the excitement of Crankworx, not to mention the 5000 vertical feet of descent! It was the final ride of an incredible week with new friends. It was the culmination of all the new skills I’d been working on and the confidence I’d gained as a rider.” Leanne

Photo Thumbnails (click to enlarge)

Gregg Kato studied journalism and broadcasting in college while working many different jobs including deejaying, driving a forklift and building web sites (not all at the same time). Kato enjoys riding local Santa Cruz trails. Besides being an avid mountain biker, he is also a motorcycle fanatic. Two wheels, one Passion.

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